Changing + seeing someone new

Think it through first

If you are thinking of changing your counsellor, talk to your counsellor about it. When you're seeing a counsellor, the subjects you discuss are often difficult and working through your concerns may be painful. These feelings you have during these counselling sessions may make you question or blame your counsellor. So, perhaps it's worth giving it another chance. Try to remember that experiencing your feelings may be helping you to resolve them.

If you really think that you don't connect with your counselor, that's ok and this doesn't make you "unhelpable". They may just be the wrong person for you and someone else might be better. Lots of people have to change until they find someone that clicks with them.

You may feel more comfortable talking to a counsellor who is the same sex as you or one who is a different sex. You may feel that they are too old or too young. Whatever you think, talk to them about it. They have been trained to handle this kind of thing. They can suggest another counsellor that would be able to discuss those things with you more comfortably.

Lifeline (131 114) or Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) should be able to give you some numbers in your local area. You can also read about other services on this site and look them up in your local phone book or check out the Yellow Pages online.